BMW iX3 G08 vs Renault Captur MK2

BMW iX3

G08 · 2020 – 2026

The first-generation iX3 (G08), BMW’s electric mid-size SUV on the X3’s CLAR platform.

Renault Captur

MK2 · 2019 – 2026

The second Captur (MK2), on the CMF-B platform with E-Tech hybrids.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW iX3

Pick the G08 for the electric X3 with a single rear motor, ~74 kWh usable battery and up to ~500 km WLTP range.

Best engine: The iX3 (286 hp, rear-wheel drive) — the only powertrain.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Renault Captur

Pick the MK2 for the roomier, modern Captur with E-Tech hybrids and the flexible rear bench.

Best engine: The 1.0 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech 140/145 (hybrid).

Read the full guide

Performance

iX3 · Electric vs 1.0 TCe 100 · Petrol

	BMW iX3	Renault Captur
Power	286 hp Winner	100 hp
Torque	400 Nm Winner	160 Nm
0–100 km/h	6,8 s Winner	13,0 s
Top speed	180 km/h Winner	178 km/h
Power-to-weight	131,2 hp/t Winner	87,7 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	115 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	5,0 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW iX3	Renault Captur
Boot	510 L Winner	422 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.560 L Winner	1.500 L
Wheelbase	2,86 m Winner	2,64 m
Length	4,73 m	4,24 m
Ground clearance	17,9 cm	—
Turning circle	12,1 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	1.100 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX3	Renault Captur
Platform	CLAR (electric)	CMF-B
Drive	Rear-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	Single rear-axle electric motor (PSM, fifth-generation eDrive)	1.0 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 Blue dCi · E-Tech 140/145 · E-Tech PHEV 158
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	6-speed manual
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW iX3

12V battery issues (occasional reports)
Parking-sensor/camera faults and interior rattles
Higher tyre wear due to weight and torque

Renault Captur

E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
Electrical gremlins and infotainment freezes
1.5 Blue dCi: DPF and AdBlue on short trips

Pros

BMW iX3

Facelift (2021) brought better efficiency and range
~74 kWh net battery with 471–505 km WLTP (post-facelift)
DC fast charging up to 150 kW (10–80% in ~32–34 min)

Renault Captur

Bigger boot than the MK1
Modern E-Tech hybrids available
Keeps the clever sliding rear bench

Cons

BMW iX3

Rear-wheel drive only, no xDrive
No frunk, despite the EV concept

Renault Captur

PHEV pricier and heavier
Infotainment can be slow

Driving experience

BMW iX3

The iX3 is refined and composed rather than playful. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted, body control is good, and the car feels stable and secure at speed. Ride quality is firm but generally well-controlled — better than many early EVs on adaptive suspension, though larger wheels and the M Sport suspension make it busier over poor surfaces. Instant torque makes it quick off the line, and the single-motor rear-drive layout gives balanced, predictable handling without the artificial feel of some dual-motor systems. Cabin noise is low; wind and tyre roar are the main sounds at motorway speeds. Regenerative braking is strong and well-calibrated (one-pedal driving is possible). Overall it drives like a polished, slightly firmer X3 with electric silence and response — competent and relaxing rather than involving.

Renault Captur

Light and easy to place in town with a reasonably high driving position, helped by light steering that is not especially communicative. Body control is firmer than the first-generation Captur, reducing roll in corners while staying acceptable on normal roads, though the ride can feel firm on larger wheels. The 1.0 TCe and 1.3 TCe feel responsive for daily use; the E-Tech hybrid adds strong low-speed electric assistance and smooth transitions once warm. Manual gearboxes are straightforward, and the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but can hesitate at low speeds. Overall a competent, easy compact crossover rather than a driver's car.